Solarglo v Arcadia Combi bulb test (latest Arcadia 160w readings page 7 onwards)

[yuna1971]

Just to say that I got it wrong the other day with my reading.
I double checked with the solarmeter - as Lily was having a bask.
With the bulb 15inches from the top of Lily's shell - and with him moving into the brightest spot....

I had a staggering reading of 164uw/cm2 !!!

nearly 1 year old Mega Ray (120w SB)

Thrilled at this, I did this as the time before, I couldnt remember exactly the result. I can only say that the before reading was not at the brightest spot.

MINT!! Lily is one happy torty!! xx

[Alan1]

That is good. it's a pity all the bulbs can't be more or less the same readings at the same ages

[yuna1971]

Yeah i thought so too...I guess the other reading just wasnt in the brightest spot. I just thought I would check it again tonight and it was fluctuating all over the place...but then the bright spot, it just hit 164!
So pleased....its performing well. And yeah....it is a shame that its just pot luck it seems on whether you get a good one or mediocre...

[Bindi]

Originally Posted by caledonia

they state (on the box I think) around 180 Bindi, the other manufacturers don't do this. you still won't be able to tell for sure though. Can't you lend one off someone?

I'm afraid I don't know anyone local to me with one Alan

[PumpkinPie]

My 125W Solarglo bulb has just blown after 3 months of use I bought it from the SW shop, do you think I can get it replaced? It just made a crackling noise and now emits a very dim blue. I'm really annoyed because I didn't have a spare so my Tort is going to be without light for at least a couple of days.

[Alan1]

Originally Posted by PumpkinPie

My 125W Solarglo bulb has just blown after 3 months of use I bought it from the SW shop, do you think I can get it replaced? It just made a crackling noise and now emits a very dim blue. I'm really annoyed because I didn't have a spare so my Tort is going to be without light for at least a couple of days.

yes, it's guaranteed to light up for 6 months, contact sarah at her website shop thingy

[TortoiseBea]

Sorry to revive this thread
I was just thinking would the 160w arcadia be ok for a 4ft x 2ft table or would that be pushing it?

[Alan1]

it wouldn't be too hot if that's what you mean. they produce about the same heat as a 125w or even a 100w

BTW, I sent my solarglo back and asked for a replacement. I was going to buy another Arcadia instead but remembered I'd need another 160w lamp holder

[Bindi]

Originally Posted by TortoiseBea

Sorry to revive this thread
I was just thinking would the 160w arcadia be ok for a 4ft x 2ft table or would that be pushing it?

Hi TortoiseBea,

I'm trying one in a similar size table and it's fine. I have to watch the basking spot and the central heating isn't on yet (I think the heat would depend on the ambient temps of the room) but so far so good.

At the moment the bulb is approx 35-40cm from the substrate and gives a temperature of 32 degrees

[sarah]

Originally Posted by caledonia

Yes I think it's duff, however they do not guarantee the UVB to be of a specific amount, only that the light will light up for 6 months. As I said somewhere, I had 2 new megarays, one was showing about 130 and the other was only showing 70.

Do you not fancy selling the Arcadia MV bulbs Sarah, you sell Arcadia stuff already don't you? It's a really good light it gives off. Frances Baines at uv guide tested one and rated it highly. 1 year guarantee too.

Incidentally, one of my other Solarglos which I'd used for about 3 months before I got my solarmeter went from around 70 (at 3 months old) down to around 50 a couple of months later but then stayed around that range for the next 6 months or so

Is of the 11th of this month i will be able to get the arcadia bulbs
and the new komodo mercury vapour bulbs

I will also be buying them to use with my tortoises, as i have a UVB reader i will be conducting some tests myself